Scammers pose as Lodi city officials

LODI - Lodi residents are being warned of a phone scam where callers are purporting to represent the city of Lodi and seeking debit card or credit card information.

The Record

LODI - Lodi residents are being warned of a phone scam where callers are purporting to represent the city of Lodi and seeking debit card or credit card information.

City officials said at least two people were contacted by phone and told they owe $400 on their utility services, and to pay immediately over the phone using a debit card or credit card.

The city does not seek payment on any of its billing over the phone, city spokesman Jeff Hood said. Lodi bills through mail and sends shut-off notices though the mail as well, Hood said. The city does not ask residents to pay utility bills over the phone in any case.

In one instance, the person who was called and told they owed money asked for a phone number to return the call. When they called back, the call was not connected to a city department.